For the first time, in my lifetime, I have the time...to write. I have imposed one rule upon myself, and that is not to take much notice of other people. This policy has served me well throughout my design career and so I continue. Then why am I here? Now that is a good question in itself!! Well, I have collected a portfolio of poetry, short stories and a novel. I have already re-written it three times and am pressing on with a further culling. It stands at 180,000 words right now, which I didn't consider to be all that excessive (I like a good long read for my money). Yet, it seems that it exceeds many of the 'works in progress', here. So, while I am happy to respond to any questions asked of me...from you I politely request a few thoughts. I thank you :)
I wish I had some culling to do, Madeline. It's the other way around with me. I've just finished my longest project and after struggling to read the 60.000 'mandatory' words, I decided it was my story and I liked it that way. Maybe I'm being stubborn, but for the time being I've stopped at 36.000 words aprox and I consider it rounded and complete.
Madeline,
Nothing wrong with 180,000 words, unless you want to try and get it published. Especially for a first novel, agents & publishers tend to look for between 80,000. - 100,000, a fantasy novel probably a bit more. Once you've had one, possibly more novels published 180,000 May be acceptable.